BigTreeMover.net is a blog site published by Big Trees Inc., a large tree nursery in Snohomish, WA, one of the largest in the Seattle area. One of our specialties is transplanting large trees and providing expert tree moving services for relocating mature, heritage, and oversized trees.
In addition to planting trees from scratch, we also specialize in relocating existing trees to better areas, ensuring proper care and professional handling. Our tree moving services are essential for environmental preservation, landscape design, and project planning, especially when construction or renovation requires moving a tree. In many cases we move the tree to another part of the same property.
Big Trees, Inc. has professional crews ready to transplant trees purchased from our nursery or tree field. We begin by carefully assessing each site. After working to carefully understand the individual planting sites and requirements of our customers, Big Trees dispatches crews to install recently purchased trees.
Introduction to Tree Transplanting
Transplanting trees is the specialized process of moving a tree from one location to another, and it takes far more than simply digging it up and placing it in a new spot. Whether you’re a homeowner, landscaper, project planner, or managing the relocation of mature, heritage, or oversized trees, success depends on careful planning, site assessment, and protecting the root ball so the tree can establish and grow in its new location. The first step is to assess the planting site, ensuring it offers good soil, full sun, and enough room for the tree to thrive as it grows; timing matters too, and early spring can also be a good time for a tree transplant if the work is done before buds break and leaves emerge. Using the right tools is essential for safely handling the root ball and minimizing damage to the tree roots.
The best method for transplanting trees involves digging a planting hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the entire root ball intact, allowing for healthy root development. Adding soil amendments can improve drainage, especially in poorly drained soil, and help the tree adapt to its new environment. After placing the tree in the new hole, it’s important to water slowly and deeply to eliminate air pockets around the roots, which can otherwise hinder nutrient uptake, increase transplant shock, and cause stress. This guide explains proper tree transplanting methods, post-transplant care, and when to work with certified arborists or professional tree-moving crews, because relocating an established tree can preserve valuable landscape assets, prevent property conflicts, and greatly improve the tree’s odds of long-term survival.
Why You Should Have Big Trees Handle Your Transplanting Trees
Most of our customers choose this option for two main reasons:
Trees and their entire root balls can be extremely heavy. Once the tree trunk diameter for mature trees increases, the root ball weight increases exponentially and can weigh 1000 lbs or more. Handling many trees during large-scale transplanting projects is especially labor-intensive and requires careful coordination. To minimize transplant shock, it is crucial to keep the new planting hole moist, so it can retain moisture until the tree’s root ball is placed. Our crews carefully use special techniques and equipment to lift large trees while loading, transporting, unloading and getting the transplanted tree installed correctly.
In order to transplant a tree successfully, our crews prepare the tree roots in a burlap covered root ball. When transporting, we use a tarp or burlap to wrap the root ball, which helps keep the roots intact and prevents them from drying out—crucial for the tree’s survival after relocation. Relocating established trees is often necessary when they outgrow their space, surrounding conditions change, or to prevent damage to property and the trees themselves.
Newly transplanted trees can suffer transplant shock if not watered immediately after planting; immediate watering helps reduce stress and settle the soil around the roots. Applying mulch is also important—applying 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of a newly transplanted tree helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots from temperature extremes. It is recommended to avoid fertilizing a newly transplanted tree during its first year to allow it to focus on establishing its root system.
All trees purchased from our nursery, or growing field, and installed by our crews are covered by a 1-year warranty. Any time questions arise about a transplanted tree, our office staff is ready to help and if necessary, dispatch our Certified Arborist to your site. Monitoring the tree’s health after transplanting is essential; signs of stress such as leaf drop or discoloration should be addressed promptly to ensure recovery. It is important to carefully remove any loose soil from around the root ball to ensure no roots remain attached.
The cost of tree transplanting can vary significantly depending on factors such as the tree’s species, size, and health, the distance it needs to be moved, and the equipment required for the job. Hiring experienced professionals is recommended, as improper techniques can lead to increased costs due to tree loss or damage during the transplanting process.
Minimizing Transplant Shock
One of the biggest challenges when moving trees is minimizing transplant shock, which can threaten the survival of newly planted trees. Transplant shock occurs when a tree is moved from one location to another, disrupting its root system and exposing it to new soil and moisture conditions. To reduce the risk, it’s crucial to handle the root ball with care, keeping it moist and intact throughout the process. The planting hole should be dug to match the depth of the root ball, with a larger hole about five times the root ball diameter, or at least 2 feet wider on all sides, and sides that slant inward rather than being straight-cut or packed so roots can move into the surrounding ground. When you dig the root ball, plan for roughly 10–12 inches in diameter for every 1 inch of trunk diameter, and set it slightly higher than the surrounding soil line.
After placing the tree in the new hole, backfill with native soil and gently tamp it down to remove air pockets that can dry out roots. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect the roots from heat stress and strong wind. Choosing a tree species that is well-suited to the planting site’s soil type, sunlight, and exposure will also help newly planted trees recover more quickly and establish strong root growth.
Post-Transplant Care
The care you provide after transplanting is just as important as the transplanting process itself. Newly planted trees need consistent moisture to support root development, especially during the first growing season. Water deeply and regularly, using a slow trickle to ensure the surrounding soil is thoroughly moistened without causing excess water or soil compaction, and set the root ball slightly higher than the surrounding ground to avoid planting too deep. Mulching with wood chips or other organic material helps hold water in the soil, suppress weeds, and maintain even moisture conditions; it also helps if you dig a larger hole around the root ball so roots can expand into loosened surrounding soil more easily.
Fertilization can support healthy growth, but it’s important to use the right type and amount of fertilizer to avoid damaging the tree. Pruning should be limited to removing damaged or diseased branches, as excessive pruning can stress the tree further. In areas with strong wind or unstable soil, staking may be necessary to keep the tree upright while its roots establish. Regularly inspect your tree for signs of pests, diseases, or physical damage, and address any issues promptly to ensure your tree adapts well to its new environment.
Working with Certified Arborists
Partnering with certified arborists is one of the best ways to ensure the long-term health and success of your trees. Certified arborists bring extensive knowledge of tree planting, species selection, and site assessment, helping you choose the right tree for your specific planting site and soil type. Their expertise extends to all aspects of tree care, from root pruning, which for larger trees is ideally done 3–12 months before moving to encourage a more compact root system, and soil amendments to proper planting techniques and ongoing maintenance. When possible, preparing a tree a year or two in advance helps develop feeder roots and improves survival during transplanting.
A certified arborist can evaluate the existing site, recommend the best plant material for your landscape, and advise when native trees are appropriate for the site and moving plan, and provide guidance on watering, fertilizing, and pruning. They can also help you identify and address issues such as soil compaction, poor drainage, or pest infestations before they become serious problems. By working closely with a certified arborist, you can ensure your trees receive the best possible care, increasing their survival rate and helping them thrive for years to come. Clear communication about your goals and any challenges you’ve encountered will help your arborist tailor their services to meet your needs and protect your investment in your landscape.
Big Trees Inc.: Your Professional Mature Trees Transplanting Company
Utilizing over 25 years of planting experience, our crews control the critical variables associated with a successfully transplanted tree including soil analysis, staking, correct fertilizing and planting height. Late fall or early spring is ideal for transplanting most trees as they are dormant, while evergreen trees usually do best with a spring transplant to allow for root growth through summer. A newly transplanted tree, cared for correctly, will thrive and become an established tree. Those that are not cared for correctly, can suffer stress, reduced growth rate and ultimately fail.
Our crews also focus on encouraging the growth of new tree roots, which are essential for the tree to adapt to its new location. Root growth is crucial, and our crews ensure sufficient space and conditions for it. For those customers who have the capability of handling the tree planting, we provide a simple brochure that covers the important aspects of how to transplant trees. For these clients, Big Trees, Inc. can load and tarp (please bring a tarp) your trees on your truck safely or we can deliver the trees to your home.
Developing a strong root system is vital for successful tree transplantation. This site will contain helpful articles on the subject of trees and landscaping, as well as news about Big Tree Supply. We also invite you to see our photo galleries, our tree inventory, and information on our planting service.